Is it cruel to keep a Dog in London?

Question

It's hardly the most rural of environments and allowing it to crap in the local park once a day, doesn't really cut it.

What say you the 'Dog Lovers'?

Are people answering about "what they want" or "what's best for the dog"?

I take it people here are lovers of domesticated dogs as apposed to wild dogs then?

once again, i am asking about what is best for the dog! I don't care on why YOU want to keep one.

Answer 1

damn!

Answer 2

The key issue for me is whether the dog is properly exercised.

Most thoroughbreds will have a recommended daily walking allowance. If you own a cross or mongrel you will have to guess, but size is the key factor and some large dogs need several miles a day.

If you are thinking of something like an Alsatian ask your self whether it is feasible to walk several miles a day where you live regardless of weather. Remember if your dog is not exercised enough it may become frustrated and unmanagable. So if your only option is laps at the local park then a smaller dog might be more appropriate.

Finally regardless of how much exercise is required if you are regularly going to leave the dog alone for long periods during the day (perhaps if everyone in the household works full time) then I personally think a cat is the only option whether you live in the country or the city.

Answer 3

I think the problem you are describing is with the dog owner not the location. I live in London and have two large dogs. I take them to a large wooded and open field area for an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening when they can run around off the lead and sniff stuff etc etc. I chose the area that I live in for its many parks and open spaces and its in Zone 4. If you live in a part of London with no local parks - you are definitely going to have problems looking after your dog properly.
They also get to accompany me on trips to the shops and around the city.
I don't think they would get any more exercise or fun and stimulation if I lived in the countryside.
However, the point is that I make the effort to ensure they get the exercise they need - a crap a day in the local park is not good enough for any dog except the geriatric!

Answer 4

Asking, "Is it cruel to keep a dog in London" is like asking, "Is it cruel to keep a dog in Russia" - there's no yes or no answer.

Okay, so London is a city environment. So is Washington, DC yet I see plenty of dog owners there taking their dogs for long walks down the National Mall or through local parks, or running with them along the Potomac River. There are even dog parks in the area where dogs can run with other dogs.

Saying a city environment is bad for a dog is like saying all dogs living in the country have a great life. In fact, however, many dogs in the country are simply being kept outside, running loose, or chained up in the yard because the people have an idea that dogs should be "guard" dogs rather than family pets. Would you say that's a better life for a dog than being kept in an apartment with an owner who loves them?

As long as the dog has a caring owner who takes them for long walks, plays with them, gets them plenty of exercise, and does training with them, it doesn't matter where they live.

Answer 5

People the world over ask this question. I have never been to London but keeping a dog in any city can be a trial at times. Small dogs adapt easier and get more exercise in their homes than a mid-size or large dog. I have a border collie who requires a lot of exercise. I let her play at my daughter's house with their dog. They run and chase each other in the yard. Maybe you have a friend who has a dog that can have play time together. Most cities have at least one park where dogs can run and play. In short, if you want a dog and want what is best for it, you can work it out. Good luck!

Answer 6

Depends totally on the dog breed.

Border Collies for example are not great inner-city pets.They need such a huge amount of exercise that giving them enough is hard in a park.It can be done though if the owner is committed

Terriers,toys,mastiff types all make fine inner-city pets as none of them needs that much exercise.Sighthounds like greyhounds can make fine pets in cities too as they are sprinters not distance runners so a run in a well fenced park once a day is enough for them.

At the end of the day most dog breeds can be kept in an urban area if the owner is willing to go to enough effort to exercise them.

Answer 7

We do have gardens here you know, and if people have the time to look after and walk their dogs then what's your problem with it? If I did not work full time I would have a dog, if I had the time to walk it and give it enough exercise then I'd get a dog tomorrow. The fact that I work full time and I don't feel it would be fair to keep a dog alone all day stops me. London is a huge place with plenty of open spaces, and if the owners are responsible they clean up after their animals anyway.

Answer 8

I have been to London many times and believe it or not there are plently of actual houses there, houses with gardens and fenced in back yards. Are you trying to say owners that allow their dogs to crap in the parks, on footpaths etc don't cut it because if so you are indeed correct but that is purley the owners that need blame not the dogs. A dog will crap whereever permitted unless properly trained.

Answer 9

Is it cruel to keep a dog in NYC or any other place like that? Why is London any different than any other city in the world? I f it craps in the park be a good sport and clean it up mate.

Answer 10

As long as people clear up the crap what harm will it do. People have dogs for a variety of reasons, companionship, protection or just love dogs. This question could apply to lots of different things. Is it fair to bring children up without a garden for instance? If you have a dog, it's a big responsibility all round but as long as you know this I think it can be rewarding.

Answer 11

Why not have a dog in London,I was brought up in London and we always had a dog.It used to come on my paper round with me and I was always safe with him around and he was well looked after and had plenty of space to run both in the parks and in our
own back garden.If you want to keep a dog you must be prepared to look after it at all times and train it to do it's business the right place and clean up afterwards it's not the dogs fault if its not trained right it's the owners